Jace blog

Pizza recalled for undeclared allergen

Approximately 131,000 pounds of pizza products shipped to Trader Joe's stores have been voluntarily recalled because of a failure to declare wheat, a known allergen, on the finished product label, the Department of Agriculture said late on Tuesday.

Frozen packages of Trader Joe's Pizza Al Pollo Asado produced between January 27 and March 27 of this year are included in the recall.

The health risk associated with this recall is low, the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service explained. If the product is consumed, there is only a remote probability of adverse health consequences.

Trader Joe's, however, warns that "people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to wheat may run the risk of allergic reaction if they consume this product."

The company has removed the product from store shelves.

During a routine inspection, a Food Safety and Inspection Service inspector discovered the omission. California-based Completely Fresh Foods Inc., which makes the pizza products, has not received any reports of adverse effects, according to the USDA.

The pizzas were shipped to Trader Joe's stores nationwide. Consumers who purchased the product can return it for a full refund, the company says. More information appears on its web site: http://bit.ly/g6RAK1.

Palestinians to hold local polls on July 9

RAMALLAH, Palestinian Territories (AFP) – The Palestinian cabinet decided on Tuesday to hold local elections on July 9, in what will be the first time the people have gone to the polls since 2006.

"The cabinet decided during its meeting today to hold local elections on Saturday 9 July and charged the electoral commission with making the necessary preparations for it," government spokesman Ghassan Khatib told AFP, reading from an official statement.

Local polls were originally set for July 17, 2010 but postponed after the Islamic Hamas movement, which rules Gaza, said it would not participate.

Hamas on Tuesday reiterated its refusal to participate in polls run by the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority, which is dominated by the rival Fatah movement, meaning the elections are likely to be limited to the West Bank.

"These elections are not valid because they are called for by the Palestinian Authority and the government and are devoid of legitimacy," spokesman Fawzi Barhum told AFP in Gaza City.

"We in Hamas will not participate in this farce and will not recognise the result of it."

The last time the Palestinians went to the polls was in 2006 for legislative elections, which Hamas won by a landslide.

Since January 2009, when Mahmud Abbas's four-year term as president expired, Hamas has refused to recognise the authority of his government. Abbas's term in office has been indefinitely extended pending new elections.

Last week, prime minister Salam Fayyad said local polls would be held "this year" and that it was time to start preparing for a general election, prompting another denunciation from Hamas.

Hamas says there can be no fresh vote without reconciliation with the rival Fatah party, which is headed by Abbas and dominates the Palestinian Authority.

The Gaza Strip and the West Bank are separated by Israeli territory and are ruled by rival administrations.

The Ramallah government had called a general election for January 2010 but backed down after Hamas refused to hold parallel polls in Gaza.

A year after winning the 2006 elections, Hamas ousted its Fatah rivals from the Gaza Strip following a week of bloody street battles, bringing to a head many years of bitter rivalry between the two movements.

Local elections were last held across the Palestinian territories in 2005.

Fayyad's announcement that the Palestinian Authority would start preparing for a general election was made as massive anti-government protests swept through Egypt, calling for the removal of President Hosni Mubarak.

An earlier wave of mass protests in Tunisia succeeded in forcing out president Zine El Abdine Ben Ali, sending shock waves across the Middle East and prompting a number of regional governments to make hasty changes in a bid to avoid a similar fate back home.

12 Things You Must Know About the Verizon iPhone

The arrival of the Verizon Apple iPhone 4 has been cause for some celebration among Verizon customers and even some who are already using the phone on AT&T. In fact, virtually every smartphone customer is likely wondering if they should adopt one of the leading smartphones on the U.S.'s most reliable mobile network. These 12 facts may help you decide.

1) The Verizon iPhone is No Thicker or Heavier than the AT&T Model

Apple told me and my examination proves that these phones are like twins (more identical than fraternal). Both iPhones are 9.3 millimeters thick—still among the thinnest smartphones on the market.

2) The Antenna Design is Different for a Reason

It's no accident that the AT&T iPhone 4 and Verizon iPhone 4 antenna bands (around the phones) do not look exactly the same. The differences are hard to notice unless you hold the two phones side-by-side—as I did. The Verizon iPhone uses a CDMA network antenna. In fact, it uses two CDMA antennas (a necessary redundancy for the CDMA network). As a result, there are identical antenna band bar breaks on either side of the phone. By the way, Apple told me that, unlike GSM, the CDMA network actually works to give you a few more seconds of connectivity before the call breaks off completely. In other words, even on the worst connections, you may still be able to recover the call. I never had a bad enough connection to see this in action.>

3)Death Grip is Hard to Find

No matter how hard I gripped the Verizon iPhone—or in what configuration, I could not recreate the old AT&T iPhone 4 Death Grip—that is unless the connectivity was already weak. So on the very rare occasions that I dropped down to two bars (which means I was in 2G land), I could cover all the antenna gaps and get the bars to drop down even further. Still I never cut off the signal.

4)It has a Personal Hot Spot

There aren't a lot of differences between the AT&T iPhone and the Verizon model, but this is a biggie. You can turn the phone into a Wi-Fi hub for up to five devices. In my tests, the connection was strong and held on for at least 25 feet (One of my tests involved leaving the iPhone on a Windowsill and connecting through my Blackberry Torch from a room upstairs and on the other side of my home). Data throughput performance on the iPhone itself does diminish a bit when it's sharing.

5) Data Will Cost You

As much as I love the personal hot spot—and I really do love it—it will cost an additional $20 a month with, for now, unlimited data for an additional $30 a month. That's pretty pricey when you consider you'll also be paying a monthly service plan fee. However, if you consider what you'd pay for a separate EVDO modem and the monthly data costs, you might actually come out ahead.

6) You Can't Do Voice and Data at the Same Time

This is probably the single biggest limitation of the Verizon iPhone and could turn into its most popular complaint. You can make a call and you can get your data connection, but do not try and do it at the same time. For most people, this will not be a problem (how often are you calling and browsing the Web at the same time?). In fact, if you receive a call while using the Personal Hotspot on a 3G connection, the Verizon phone will prioritize the call. Interestingly, on a 2G connection, the call will go straight to voicemail.

7) AT&T and Verizon offer Virtually the Same Voice Plans

If you're trying to decide between a Verizon iPhone 4 and the AT&T model, don't base the decision on the calling plans. Both have $69.99 unlimited calling rates and, at the lower end, offer 450 minutes a month for $39.99.

8)No SIM card

Another physical difference between the AT&T phone and the Verizon iPhone is that the latter lacks a SIM card slot. CDMA phones don't use SIM cards, instead relying on a cloud-based set of serial numbers to authenticate network phones. So you won't be transferring this Verizon iPhone to another CDMA network unless that network—perhaps Sprint—decides to start authenticating Verizon's CDMA iPhones. (PCMag's mobile expert Sascha Segan told me the customer support headaches that would attend this decision make this possibility highly unlikely) Since we expect most people to be very happy with Verizon, this doesn't seem like a big deal. Sprint customers, of course, may disagree.

9) General Availability Comes on Feb 10th

By now you've probably heard thatof Verizon iPhones. Apple did tell me that the phone would only be available in "limited quantities" to existing Verizon customers. It's unclear what supplies will be like on the 10th. Also unknown is when, exactly, Verizon will start shipping those phones.

10) Verizon and AT&T 3G Are Both Fast

There's no question that AT&T's 3G network, once America's fastest mobile network, is , but, as I can attest, it's only faster when you can get it. Verizon is fast, too, and I doubt most people will notice the difference even when both networks are operating for you at peak speeds. I certainly didn't. What it comes down to is coverage. I had better coverage overall with the Verizon iPhone, which means that even if there were moments when my mobile data network wasn't as fast as the best I could get from AT&T, I knew that at least I could get connected from virtually any location. This was never the case with the AT&T iPhone.

11) Your Old Bumper Won't Work

If you bought a bumper for your AT&T iPhone, you may want to throw it out or leave it on the AT&T model when you pass it along to your nephew. Apple moved the volume buttons a few millimeters and the hold button a bit more. The new Universal Bumper will work on your new Verizon iPhone and the old AT&T model, as well.

12) Don't Wait for iPhone 5

While there's no guarantee Apple will introduce this now much-talked about vapor-phone, it's a safe bet it'll arrive this summer. That said, when it does arrive, it will be in short supply. There is also no guarantee that the iPhone 5 will launch on multiple carriers—most smartphones do not. What if Apple starts with AT&T again? Won't you feel silly for waiting?

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H.J. Baker & Bro., Inc. Makes Donations To Charities Across The Country

H.J. Baker Continues Its Tradition of Employee Driven Charitable Contributions

Westport, CT (PRWEB) February 2, 2011

H. J. Baker & Bro., Inc. announced it made donations to more than 70 non-profit organizations across the country at the request of its employees totaling $200,000.

H. J. Baker employees at their headquarters in Westport, Connecticut, and plant and operation locations throughout the country were asked to suggest local charities in their area that the company might make contributions to this year.As a result the following charities have received a contribution.

In Connecticut:American Heart Association -- CT Affiliate -- Wallingford, CTAmerican Red Cross -- mid-Fairfield County -- Bridgeport, CTAmeriCares Foundation -- Stamford, CTAspetuck Land Trust, Inc. -- Westport, CTDenison Pequot Sepos Nature Center -- Mystic, CTFood Bank of Lower Fairfield County, Inc. -- Stamford, CTHabitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County    -- Bridgeport, CTNorwalk Hospital -- Norwalk, CTOpen Door Shelter -- Norwalk, CTOperation Hope -- Fairfield, CTSalvation Army -- Bridgeport, CTStonington Harbor Yacht Club Sailing Foundation -- Stonington, CTSusan G. Komen for Breast Cancer Foundation -- Hartford, CTThe Center for Women & Families of Eastern Fairfield Co. -- Bridgeport, CTThe Connecticut Audubon Society -- Fairfield, CT

Across the country:    

ALABAMA, ATMORE             American Legion Auxiliary – Unit 90        American Red Cross (AL Gulf Coast)Friends of Education of Escambia County    United Fund of the Atmore Area

ALABAMA, HUNTSVILLECare and Assurance System for the Aging and Homebound

ALBERTA (CANADA), CALGARY Calgary Humane Society            Calgary Inter Faith Food Bank            Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter        MustardSeedThe Alberta Children’s Hospital

ARKANSAS, LONOKE Literacy Council of Lonoke County

ARKANSAS, BENTON Churches Joint Council on Human Need

ARKANSAS. FORT SMITH Crisis Center for Battered WomenFort Smith Boys and Girls Club        Gregory Kistler Treatment Center

ARKANSAS, LITTLE ROCK Heifer Project InternationalLittle Rock Compassion CenterThe First Tee of Central Arkansas

ARKANSAS, JACKSONVILLE Fishnet Missions                

ARKANSAS, MAUMELLEHope Ministry Alliance

CALIFORNIA, FRESNOCommunity Food BankFresno Rescue Mission                Marjaree Mason Center, Inc.        Poverello House

CALIFORNIA, LADERA RANCHLaura’s House

CALIFORNIA, LAGUNA BEACHThe Laguna PlayhouseThe Laguna Beach Historical Society

CALIFORNIA, LOS ALAMITOSCASA Youth Shelter

CALIFORNIA, MANTECA Second Harvest Food Bank

CALIFORNIA, SACRAMENTO Make a Wish Foundation of Sacramento

CALIFORNIA, SAN PEDROBoys & Girls Club of Los Angeles Harbor

CALIFORNIA, SANTA ANAPacific Symphony

CALIFORNIA, SILVERADOSt. Michael’s Abbey

CALIFORNIA, STOCKTON Gospel Center Rescue Mission    United Way of San Joaquin

CALIFORNIA, WILMINGTON Friends of Banning Landing            Friends of Banning Museum            Friends of the Wilmington Branch LibraryGang Alternative ProgramSociety for the Preservation of Drum Barracks            

FLORIDA, SARASOTA Children Charity Fund, Inc.            

GEORGIA, ATLANTAAmerican Cancer SocietyThe Salvation Army Residences, Inc.

ILLINOIS, CHICAGOAmerican Red Cross of Greater ChicagoGreater Chicago Food DepositoryPAWS – ChicagoSusan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

ILLINOIS, GENEVAMarklund

MISSISSIPPI, FOREST Crisis Pregnancy Services of Central Mississippi

MISSISSIPPI, LAKESunbelt Christian Youth Ranch

NEW YORK, NEW YORKResearch to Prevent BlindnessUNICEF USA

NEW YORK, PORT WASHINGTONFarms for City Kids Foundation

NEW YORK, UNIONDALE Feel Better Kids, Inc                

NORTH CAROLINA, SANFORD Helping Hand Clinic, Inc.Stevens Foundation for Development and Enrichment Services    

OKLAHOMA, WESTVILLEHope Center Inc.Westville EMSWestville Police Department Shop with a Cop    

SOUTH DAKOTA, SIOUX FALLS National Multiple Sclerosis Society

TENNESSEE, MEMPHISSt. Jude’s Children Research Hospital

TEXAS, NACOGDOCHES The Empty Stocking Fund

VIRGINIA, TRIANGLE Marine Toys for Tots Foundation

Christopher V. B. Smith, President & CEO of H.J. Baker said: “H.J. Baker & Bro., Inc. has long supported the communities where our employees live and work.It is with profound gratitude that this holiday season H.J. Baker & Bro., Inc. was able to continue that tradition.Based on employee input we donated to charities surrounding our 22 locations across the country and sponsoring children in need around the world.These charities are on the front lines providing relief and support to those who need it most on a daily basis; including healthcare, food, clothing, clean water, and shelter as well as hope and knowledge.We are honored to help support their efforts.”

For 2010, H.J. Baker contributed over $200,000 to more than 75 non-profit organizations throughout the country.

H.J. Baker & Bro., Inc. is a leader in the feed, fertilizer and sulphur industries, with more than 20 locations throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.For more than 150 years, H.J. Baker has been mobilizing resources and providing outstanding products and service to the agriculture industry throughout the world.The company's strategically located processing plants, offices and warehouses create a super-efficient pipeline for the vital commodities and products that it sources, manufactures and markets.H.J. Baker & Bro., Inc. is headquartered in Westport, Connecticut USA.

For more information on H.J. Baker & Bro., Inc. visit their website at .

Media Inquiries:     Peter Barhydtw 203-618-1709 c 203-252-4768Peter(dot)Barhydt(at)AberdeenAssociates(dot)com

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PETER BARHYDTAberdeen Associates, Inc.203-618-1709Email Information

S&P 500 posts best week in nine

NEW YORK (Reuters) – The S&P 500 posted its best week in nine on Friday as the market defied calls for a pullback, and investors rotated into defensive and lagging sectors in a move that could intensify in coming weeks.

Signs of improvement in the economy and strong corporate earnings have propelled stock prices, but tapering volume, meager gains and declining numbers of advancing stocks pointed to waning buying interest at the end of the week.

January's employment data had a limited impact as job creation was weak but the unemployment rate fell, leaving many investors unsure how to interpret the report.

Sectors that have posted strong gains recently, such as energy, materials and industrials, showed signs of profit-taking as investors shifted to consumer discretionary and technology shares.

"The market has been getting more selective and the rotation is important," said Wayne Kaufman, chief market analyst at John Thomas Financial in New York. "I'm not sure people have it completely figured out yet."

Networking shares were among the leaders after JDS Uniphase

(JDSU.O) posted strong earnings. Its stock rose almost 30 percent and bolstered hopes for strong results from Cisco Systems (CSCO.O) next week.

The Dow Jones industrial average (.DJI) rose 29.89 points, or 0.25 percent, at 12,092.15. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index (.SPX) added 3.77 points, or 0.29 percent, at 1,310.87. The Nasdaq Composite Index (.IXIC) climbed 15.42 points, or 0.56 percent, at 2,769.30.

For the week the Dow rose 2.3 percent the S&P 500 rose 2.7 percent and the Nasdaq gained 3.1 percent.

The S&P's energy sector (.GSPE), which has gained the most this year, was among the biggest losers on the day, falling 0.3 percent. Dow component Chevron Corp (CVX.N) dropped 0.2 percent to $97.11.

Consumer discretionary shares (.GSPD) rose 0.7 percent after recent signs of life in the consumer. Shares in online retailer Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O) climbed 1.3 percent to $175.93. Consumer shares have lagged the rally since the start of the year.

Strength in technology helped push the Nasdaq to new 3-year highs after the index posted its best week since mid-September, but the move was not broad-based as declining stocks came in just ahead of advancers.

A jump in Treasury debt yields could favor companies with stronger balance sheets as investors start to worry about funding costs. The yield on the 10-year note rose to 3.64 percent, the highest it has been since May 2010.

"The sharp increase in the 10-year yield is concerning, and investors may be starting to focus on businesses with better balance sheets," said Eric Cinnamond, a fund manager at River Road Asset Management in Louisville, Kentucky. "Technology obviously fits that mold."

Shares of JDS Uniphase and other optical component makers jumped a day after the company posted solid quarterly results, helped by ever-increasing demand for higher bandwidth in smart phones, tablets and other applications.

JDS Uniphase shares rose 26.9 percent to $22.76.

"The strength in the technology sector today and strong earnings from JDS Uniphase potentially have people bulled up on the prospects of a positive earnings surprise from Cisco next Wednesday," said Steve Claussen, chief investment strategist at online brokerage OptionsHouse LLC.

Cisco is set to report earnings on Wednesday. The stock rose 0.6 percent to $22.05.

Both the Dow and the S&P 500 made new 2 1/2-year highs.

"From a short-term perspective, the Dow has resistance at the 12,050 level and support at the key 12,000 region," said Joseph Hargett, analyst at Schaeffer's Investment Research in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Health insurer Aetna Inc (AET.N) forecast 2011 profit well above of Wall Street's target on Friday and increased its dividend, sending its shares 12.5 percent higher to $37.42.

Tyson Foods Inc (TSN.N) advanced 5.7 percent to $18.56 after the company said quarterly earnings surged 86 percent.

U.S. employment rose by a meager 36,000 jobs in January, far less than expected, but the unemployment rate fell to 9.0 percent, its lowest level since April 2009.

Composite volume on the NYSE, the Amex and the Nasdaq reached 7.29 billion shares, below last year's estimated daily average of 8.47 billion.

(Additional reporting by Doris Frankel and Rodrigo Campos; Editing by Kenneth Barry)